begin now; while Dona
Isolda opined that it would be no worse for her than if they had gone to
sea in the ordinary way during the afternoon, so she, too, elected to
remain on board and take her chance. Then, while they were all talking
together, Milsom came up on to the top of the deck-house with the
information that Macintyre fully understood what was wanted and was
making elaborate preparations for a perfectly gorgeous breakdown of the
engines--the maximum speed of which during the trip would not exceed
fourteen knots, at the outside. And presently the cruiser's first
cutter pushed off from her parent ship's side and came pulling toward
the yacht, with twenty seamen and five marines on board, in addition to
her own crew, all armed to the teeth, and Captain Morillo and another
officer in the stern-sheets.

A few minutes later the boat swept up alongside, and the two officers
ascended to the deck, where they were met by Jack and Milsom.

"Senor Singleton, and Senor Capitan Milsom, permit me to have the honour
of presenting to you Senor el Teniente Villacampa, the officer who will
have the command of the expedition," said Morillo. "He will be
responsible for the good behaviour of the men, and will lead them to the
attack of the ship and those on shore who will be assisting in the
landing of the cargo; but, apart from that duty, he will of course be
under your orders. I have brought you," he continued, taking a bundle
of bunting from Villacampa, "an ensign and a pennant, which you will
substitute for your own colours at the moment which you may deem most
suitable. And now, what about boats? Will you tow the one which is
alongside; or would you rather use your own?"

"I think your people had better use the yacht's boats, Senor," answered
Jack. "We have plenty; and it will look more in keeping."

"Very well, Senor; I agree with you there," acquiesced Morillo. "And
now, as you are doubtless anxious to make an immediate start, I will bid
you good-bye; and trust that the expedition will be completely
successful. You have full instructions how to proceed, Senor," he added
to his lieutenant; and then, cap in hand, bowed himself through the
gangway and down the side.

As the cruiser's boat shoved off, Milsom ascended to the bridge and,
laying his hand on the engine-room telegraph, rang "Stand by!"

"Are you all ready to slip, there, Mr Perkins?" he demanded.

"All ready, sir," answered Perkins.

"Then let go!" o